Methods for storage of guayule plant material

Abstract

A method of storing guayule and guayule-like plant material prior to processing which comprises mixing the material in communited form with at least one essentially water-free organic liquid to form a slurry in which the material is protected from contact with oxygen and storing said slurry for at least about 24 hours is discosed. Preferably, the organic liquid is an alcohol, ether, ester, ketone, or hydrocarbon and optionally the slurry also contains an oxidation stabilizer.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method of storing guayule and guayule-like plant material prior to processing which comprises mixing the material in communited form with at least one essentially water-free organic liquid to form a slurry in which the material is protected from contact with oxygen and storing said slurry for at least about 24 hours, wherein said organic liquid is acetone or resin micella comprising acetone and at least about 4% guayule resin. 
     
     
       2. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the slurry is subjected to mild agitation, either continually or intermittently. 
     
     
       3. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the organic liquid is acetone-based resin micella.